Chaos at IPL 2025 Final! 200 Sneak In Without Tickets, 100 Mobile Phones Reported Stolen

The IPL 2025 final on Tuesday, June 3, was a night of contrasting emotions. While Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year title drought by edging out Punjab Kings in a thrilling six-run victory, off-field chaos marred the otherwise historic event at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

A staggering 90,879 spectators packed the stadium to witness RCB lift their maiden IPL trophy. However, the evening took an unexpected turn as media reports revealed that around 200 individuals attempted to enter the venue without tickets.

Alert security personnel managed to intercept and stop them, but the situation raised serious concerns about crowd control and security protocols.

Adding to the woes, nearly 100 cases of mobile phone theft were reported during the match, prompting a full-scale investigation by the local police. Authorities suspect that the overwhelming crowd may have provided cover for pickpockets operating inside the stadium.

Originally scheduled to be played at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, the final was relocated to Ahmedabad due to adverse weather forecasts. RCB, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a competitive 190/9 in their 20 overs. Virat Kohli led the charge with a fluent 43 off 35 deliveries, supported by Rajat Patidar (26), Liam Livingstone (25), and Jitesh Sharma (24). Punjab bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson impressed with three wickets apiece.

Punjab Kings made a spirited attempt to chase down the target. Shashank Singh starred with an unbeaten 61 off just 30 balls, nearly pulling off a dramatic win. But RCB's Krunal Pandya turned the tide, delivering a miserly spell of 4-0-17-2 and removing key batters Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis at critical moments.

Though the night ultimately belonged to RCB and their ecstatic fans, the off-field disruptions have raised pressing questions about matchday crowd management. As the investigation continues, the BCCI and local authorities may need to revisit and tighten event protocols to ensure safety and order at future high-stakes fixtures.